The comfort zone is a myth in combat sports. Fighters are constantly driven to push their limits and see how far they can go. Take reigning two-sport ONE Bantamweight World Champion Jonathan Haggerty, for example. He’s been vocal about his ambition to follow in the footsteps of UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira and former Middleweight champ Israel Adesanya, another kickboxing star who made the jump to MMA.

Before venturing down that path, Haggerty has a massive challenge ahead. This September at ONE 168: Denver, he’ll face his toughest test yet, “The Kicking Machine” Superlek Kiatmoo9 in defense of his ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title.

Jonathan Haggerty’s MMA aspirations

Alex Pereira’s journey began in kickboxing. Launching his career in 2010, he carved out a successful path until 2021, amassing a record of 33-7 with 21 knockouts. He truly shone in GLORY Kickboxing, where he captured titles and garnered widespread recognition. On the other hand, Israel Adesanya boasts an impressive record of 75-5 with a reputation for thrilling fights. Both fighters serve as an inspiration for Jonathan Haggerty, who aspires to follow a similar trajectory.

During a recent appearance on the Sky Sports MMA Club podcast, host Nick Hobbs pressed Haggerty about his motivations for wanting to transition into MMA. Haggerty revealed his key inspirations, stating, “The likes of Adesanya and Pereira like they were stand-up fighters and they have gone on to be the greatest. So, I have got the stand-up there, and we just need to pick with the ground floor and wrestling.”

This isn’t the first time Jonathan Haggerty, the reigning ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion, has voiced his desire to conquer MMA and become a three-sport champion. In previous interviews, he’s hinted at his ambition, even while laser-focused on his upcoming clash against Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 168: Denver. However, with a successful Muay Thai defense potentially on the horizon, his MMA debut might still be a year or so down the line.

Haggerty reveals his potential timeline to switch to MMA

Jonathan Haggerty, a fighter who embodies the “never settle for less” mentality, has set his sights on conquering the all-encompassing sport of MMA after conquering belts in the promotion’s striking divisions. He has openly discussed his desire to compete in MMA, emphasizing the need to hone his grappling skills for a successful debut.

In his interview with Sky Sports MMA Club, he even hinted at the timeline for his MMA transition. Haggerty declared, “I’d say a good strong three years to be at the top of my MMA game. That’s all I need to get myself ready for MMA.” Haggerty’s MMA aspirations might be on hold for now, but his immediate focus is laser-sharp.

A highly anticipated clash against Superlek Kiatmoo9 awaits him at ONE 168: Denver this September, at Ball Arena in Colorado. Who will emerge victorious? Superlek or Jonathan Haggerty? Let us know in the comment box.